THE HOME GUARD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 24 October 1940, Page 8

THE HOME GUARD

POOR RESPONSE [To the Editor] Sir, —I am a young married man and hold an important position in a firm supplying the requisites for one of the primary industries, and under the j Government Conscription Policy am ! liable to be called up for service overj seas at any moment. (That is, after ! all single men of like age have been ; called up.) ! Under the circumstances it would be ■ futile for me to divert my energies. 1 from endeavouring to increase pro- | duction, to becoming a member of the Home Guard. (I can defend my wife without being trained) because if and when I am caught in the ballot I will be forced to do the necessary training. Notwithstanding the above, I was disgusted to read in your paper tonight of the poor response to the urgent appeal for all true Britishers to join the Home Guard to receive training, in the first place to meet any unexpected emergency, and secondly as a stage in their preparation for more serious service if and when required. I, in common, with every other New Zealander, realise the seriousness of the present position, but as we are not at present in the actual firing line (like London) I can sympathise with the many who consider they are already doing a National Service by sticking grimly to the job they hold at present. However, there must be hundreds of other men available for training, which, if through lack of arms, may not be of great use in the defence of New Zealand, would at least build them up to better withstand the demands of a conqueror. If there is a shortage of arms at present, it should be remembered that it is quite possible at any moment for adequate supplies to be made available and in such a case what an immense value the Home Guard training would be. Being one of the indispensibles I would humbly suggest that the issue of a conspicuous badge, (notwithstanding the shortage of metal for war purposes) to be worn on civilian dress, to everyone certified indispensible, and to every man doing any kind of war work, would be a great help in recruiting for the “Home Guard”. In conclusion I must admit I have slipped once again as I really wanted to point out the futility and unfairness of the voluntary system even when it is a case of life or death.—l am etc. INDISPENSABLE. Nelson, 23rd October.